Mr Courtney said: “We are incredibly proud of our union’s solidarity with Cuba and are delighted to be able to help young people across the island with their musical education.”

The donations also include thousands of pairs of ballet shoes donated by the Royal Ballet and a valuable baby grand piano destined for one of the country’s renowned conservatoires.

National charity Music Fund For Cuba, which supports the appeal and arts funding in the country, said it is fitting the final send-off is in a city synonymous with Britain’s musical culture.

Music Fund for Cuba director Rob Miller said: “These instruments will help a little in overcoming some of the shortages of musical instruments in Cuba where there is a huge demand for music and dance education.

“It has been fabulous to see the generosity of people across the country who have donated and collected all these instruments over the past year.”

Schools in England that took part in the donation drive include St Bede’s primary school in Clayton Green, Lancashire, and Tree Tops primary academy in Maidstone, Kent.

Manchester teacher Sue Piper, whose school took part in the donation drive, said: “It has been wonderful being involved in the Play for Cuba appeal and I have already had some really interesting conversations with people along the way.

“So many teachers and students have got involved — it really has been a team effort in our region.”

Julie Lamin, a secondary school teacher in Merseyside, said: “We had lots of donations from across Merseyside including lots of instruments from the Crosby Symphony Orchestra, which included 12 violins.

“Having been to Cuba myself, I know just how important music and arts education is over there and it has been great to be involved in such a practical appeal which really does send a message of solidarity and friendship across the Atlantic ocean.”